Studying at UCL - Institute of the Americas

UCL Institute of the Americas (UCL-IA) is a leading
multidisciplinary specialist institution for the study of Latin America, the
United States, the Caribbean and Canada. It acts as a focal point in the UK for
students and researchers seeking to develop in-depth regional and continental
knowledge of the Americas. As a centre for postgraduate study specializing in
the social sciences and modern history of the Americas, it offers six
taught postgraduate degrees, a suite of undergraduate courses, and provides specialist supervision to doctoral level, as well as mentoring
of post-doctoral fellows, on a wide range of themes and all four main regions of
the Americas. Read more about UCL-Institute of the Americas.

Next open day events at UCL Institute of the Americas: to be announced

Himali Dave, MSc Latin American Politics,
2012-14

As one of the few institutions offering a holistic and
interdisciplinary programme of courses, and with the option of part-time study,
UCL-IA was a clear choice for me for engaging in postgraduate study of the
Americas. But what I soon became aware of was what else the institute offered:
access to diverse events, talks and conferences covering up-to-date research
with top academics; being part of a nurturing and friendly department; and
meeting like-minded people passionate about all things Latin American. I have
found the opportunity to spend two-years studying at my own pace extremely
rewarding; although working and interning alongside my studies has often
amounted to a 7-day a week commitment, the institute staff have always been
extremely helpful and understanding. I feel that I have emerged with
transferable analytical and critical thinking skills, which I am certain will
prove incredibly valuable for me in the future.

Robbie Macrory, PhD student, Latin American Politics

Studying at the Institute has been an extremely fulfilling experience
for several different reasons, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent here
working towards my doctorate. Although the Institute is small enough to have a
strong sense of community, it also feels fully incorporated into the wider life
of the university with all the advantages that entails, including events, skills
courses and a lively atmosphere. The knowledge and expertise of the faculty
members at the Institute is always impressive, and the support offered by the
administrative staff has been invaluable in helping me progress with my studies.
Perhaps the best thing of all for me is the Institute’s location in the heart of
London. It’s been a great help for my work to be within walking distance of
several world-class libraries, but I’ve also enjoyed being able to attend events
at think-tanks and embassies, for example, which might not have been so easy had
I been studying elsewhere.

Melanie Stern, MA Latin American Studies,
2012-13

I have found that I can easily see where my hard-earned cash is being
spent - and well spent - as I am surrounded by vast resources, from excellent
libraries and lots of places to use study computers all over campus, to the
breadth of knowledge my tutors share with me, and their encouragement of deep
inquiry. This means the environment I have found as a student at UCL Americas is
so far very conducive to immersing myself in the field, and being able to bounce
ideas off the staff as I develop my own critical theses. In addition, there are
regular talks and events, available to the public as well as students and for
free, giving us contact with fresh thinking, new studies, leading commentators
and new conversations on the field we're studying. This means the knowledge I'm
taking in about the past is being based in the context of what's happening in
real life, today.

John Gallagher, MA Latin American Studies,
2012-13

After completing my undergraduate degree in Dublin, I decided to
progress directly to postgraduate study by undertaking the MA at the Institute
of Americas, UCL. The prospect of living in London was not the only thing that
enticed me. I was also attracted by the multi-disciplinary nature of the course
and the accessibility of the teaching staff, who are always at hand to discuss
research interests and extend learning outside of the classroom. At UCL, I
found a Masters that allowed me to focus on the Latin American History and
Politics, without neglecting more practical fields of study such as Advanced
Spanish Translation. My experience at the Institute of the Americas has been
nothing but positive, I am sure it will stand to me in the future.

UCL-Institute of the Americas has the largest
programme of teaching, research and events on the Americas in the UK, covering
Latin America, the United States, the Caribbean and Canada. It offers a uniquely
stimulating environment for the study of all aspects of the Americas, with an
emphasis on history, politics, development, economics, human rights, and the
environment.

In addition to classes taught by world-leading scholars, students
have access to a wide range of events, seminars, workshops and conferences on
the Americas delivered by scholars, policymakers, diplomats, NGOS, activists and
other experts on the region.

Located in central London, the Institute lies in close proximity to
world-class libraries, archives, and museums housing some of the finest
resources for the study of the Americas in Europe. London is also home to large
Caribbean, North American and Latin American communities, bringing the music,
food, culture and flavour of the Americas into the heart of the city.

Being in London also provides a wonderful base from which to explore
the rest of Britain. Cities such as Bath, Bristol, Cambridge, Canterbury, and
Oxford are within easy reach. And making weekend trips further afield, perhaps
to Dublin, Edinburgh, Paris or Madrid is great fun.

The aim of our Masters degrees is to provide students with a skill set that
meets the needs of a variety of different career paths. A number of students
study our Masters degrees as a stepping stone towards research degrees. Others
take the research skills they have developed during the Masters into
the policy sector, working for think
tanks or government agencies, while yet others work in
areas of market research.

Some of our students have keen commercial interests.
In recent years one particular area of business that has attracted the attention
of our graduates has been the alternative energy sector, which is
currently booming in a number of Latin American
countries. Additionally, we have a number of early- and mid-career
professionals that take a year out and come to us to develop regional
expertise. Within this group there are generally one or
two freelance journalists, who continue writing and submitting
pieces whilst studying in London and then step up in their careers to work for
more prestigious, global news agencies, broadcasting
corporations and media groups.

A significant subset of students seek and find work in
the third sector - NGOs and charitable organisations. This
group often builds on previous experience in the sector to develop regional
expertise and moves on to manage national offices or even regional programmes
after graduating. Younger students, often straight from their first degree,
might take the opportunity to work voluntarily for NGOs or charities while
studying for their Masters, in this way adding vital experience to their CVs.
These graduates tend to work as interns for a year or so after graduating before
finding their first fully remunerated post.

The excellent record of career progression of our graduates has and
will be enhanced by our establishment at UCL as the Institute of the Americas.
The global reputation of UCL is
unquestionable and taking a Masters Degree from the Institute of the
Americas will be a great addition to your curriculum vitae. What is more, the
UCL Careers Service is
second to none, with a dedicated team of professionals eager to help you
maximise your chances of landing that ideal job. Regardless of the degree
programme you follow or the field in which you develop your career, as a
graduate of the Institute you will always receive a warm reception when
requesting a reference. We are keen to support your career progression; we
welcome news of your achievements and celebrate your continuing success.

The Graduate School aims to provide support for students in many
ways, particularly through its Skills Development Programme, Research Funds,
Scholarships and Codes of Practice, all of which are detailed on this site.

The UCL Language Centre offers full and part-time English for
Academic Purposes for international students as well as foreign language courses
to UCL students, staff and London’s wider academic and professional
community

You need not be concerned about finding a place to live, as UCL can
offer accommodation and advice. UCL Student Accommodation's aim is to provide
agreeable accommodation in a friendly environment at affordable prices.

Frederick Bonnart-Braunthal
Scholarship 2015/16 – deadline 27
March 2015 There is 1 scholarship
worth £25,000 pa available. The scheme is aimed at
research students who plan to explore the nature of religious,
racial and
cultural prejudices and to find ways of combating them.
Applications from faculties and departments such as Social and
Historical Studies, Law and Development Planning Unit are encouraged,
particularly where a
candidate can demonstrate practical application of their analyses
to
current problems of intolerance, always bearing in mind the
interest of
the Founder of the Trust (details at www.fbbtrust.org.uk)
not only in the nature of intolerance but in
identifying 'a means to combat it'. Applications need to be submitted by
students by 27 March 2015 – further information and application form at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/scholarships/graduate/UK-EU_Res/frederick

London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP) AHRC doctoral training
programme - applications for 2015/16 open on 1st December 2014. This scheme is
open to UK and EU applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. Applications
close on 30th January 2015. Additionally, you must have submitted an admissions
application to UCL by 16th January. NOTE: details for the 2015/16 scheme will be updated shortly.

Wolfson Scholarships – Postgraduate Scholarships in
Humanities. Applications for 2015/16 are now open. This scheme is open to UK
and EU applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. To apply please submit an
online PhD admissions application including a research proposal, and also
notify the Institute Manager, Abi Espie at a.espie@ucl.ac.uk that you wish to be considered,
along with a letter from your potential supervisor confirming that they are
willing to supervise the specific project outlined by 16th January
2015. NOTE: details for the 2015/16 scheme will be updated shortly.

UCL Graduate and Overseas Research Scholarships
(GRS/ORS) - Applications for 2015/16 are now open. To apply please submit an
online PhD admissions application including a research proposal. Additionally,
you will need to submit a GRS/ORS application form to the Institute Manager,
Abi Espie at a.espie@ucl.ac.uk
by 16th January 2015. NOTE: details for the 2015/16 scheme will be updated shortly.

The
Santander Universities Awards offer a number of £5,000 scholarships for our MA and MSc
Programmes. This award is for International Students applying from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico or Uruguay.

The Postgraduate Support
Scheme (PSS) at UCL offers approximately 360 awards of £10,000 each to
prospective UK/EU postgraduate taught students. The aim of the scheme is to
encourage students from under-represented groups to embark on a postgraduate
qualification and is funded jointly by the Higher Education Funding Council for
England (HEFCE) and UCL. This is a one-off opportunity for those applying to
study a postgraduate taught programme starting in September 2015 only. The
deadline is Sunday, 29 March 2015 at 23:59 and you
must have also completed an admissions application by this date and time. Details of how to be apply and
of eligibility criteria can be found via the above link.